Systems and methods for a standing chair for use with a standing desk

ABSTRACT

A standing chair apparatus for improving stretching and comfort for a user, for use with a standing desk, the apparatus includes a movable base. The standing chair further includes a calf stretching plane on the movable base. The standing chair further includes a tower portion, extending from the movable base, the tower portioning including multiple stretch points.

BACKGROUND

In various scenarios, people find themselves working at a desk in a sitting position, typically in an ergonomic chair. In recent years, it has been found that such positions may be unhealthy over time. Therefore, many individuals choose to have standing desks, allowing the user to stand while working and adjust the desk to various heights. The issue with such desks is that the user may under use the standing features of the desk because it becomes tiring to stand or comfortable positions are not found. A standard or adjustable chair may be used in some scenarios, however, the positions achievable are limited and the support provided not sufficient.

Users are typically very excited to obtain a standing desk, merely to find that the standing features are rarely used. Therefore, in order to improve user help and increase their usage of the desk in a standing position, a solution is desirable. Since static positions that do not engage stretching of the body tend to be difficult to hold for a period of time, more dynamic and changing positioning may provide for a more comfortable experience for the user.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a standing chair apparatus for improving stretching and comfort for a user, for use with a standing desk, includes a movable base (which may include locking wheels). The standing chair further includes a calf stretching plane on the movable base. The standing chair further includes a tower portion, extending from the movable base, the tower portioning including multiple stretch points. In one alternative, the movable base is mounted on wheels. Alternatively, the calf stretching plane on the movable base is hingably mounted, such that the calf stretching plane is rotatable to a first and a second position. In another alternative, the tower portion includes a vertically extending beam perpendicularly mounted on the movable base, the tower portion including a bar perpendicular to the vertically extending beam and a top plane mounted on top of the vertically extending beam. Alternatively, the top plane includes a pad on the top surface. In another alternative, the vertically extending beam is located in a central portion of the movable base. Alternatively, the top plane is hingably mounted to the vertically extending beam, such that the top plane is fixable in a variety of angles relative to the base (and to provide for easy storage and to take up less space when not in use). In another alternative, the vertically extending beam is telescoping.

In one embodiment, a workstation includes a standing desk, the standing desk including an apparatus for raising and lowering the height of the standing desk. The workstation further includes a standing chair, the standing chair sized to work with the standing desk. The standing chair includes a base portion. The standing chair further includes a tower portion, the tower portion extending vertically from the base portion and a calf stretching plane, the calf stretching connected to the base portion. Alternatively, the calf stretching plane is hingeably attached to the base portion, such that the calf stretching plane is positionable in a variety of calf stretching positions. In another alternative, the base portion is movably mounted. Alternatively, the base portion includes wheels. In another alternative, the wheels are lockable, to prevent the easy rolling of the base portion and to allow for vertical forces to be applied without having the base and platform roll away during a stretch. Alternatively, the tower portion includes a top plane. In another alternative, the tower portion includes a vertical beam. Alternatively, the vertical beam is telescoping. In another alternative, the standing chair further includes a stretch bar mounted on the vertical beam.

In one embodiment, a method of stretching at a workstation includes providing a workstation, the workstation including a standing desk and a standing chair. The standing chair includes a base portion. The standing chair further includes a tower portion, the tower portion extending vertically from the base portion and a calf stretching plane, the calf stretching connected to the base portion. The method further includes positioning the standing chair in front of the standing desk. The method further includes engaging the calf stretching plane with feet of a worker, the calf stretching plane providing a stretching position for the calves of the worker. In one alternative, the method further includes disengaging the calf stretching plane; and engaging a top plane of the tower portion with a side of a leg of the worker in order to stretch a glute of the worker. Alternatively, the method further includes disengaging the side of the leg from the top plane; and engaging the top plane with a lower portion of the leg in order to stretch the hamstring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a standing chair;

FIG. 2 shows the standing chair of FIG. 1 in operation for a calf stretch and ankle, lower leg;

FIG. 3 . shows the standing chair of FIG. 1 in operation for a glute stretch;

FIG. 4 shows the standing chair of FIG. 1 in operation for a shin and ankle stretch;

FIG. 5 shows the standing chair of FIG. 1 in operation for a for a hamstring stretch;

FIG. 6 shows the standing chair of FIG. 1 in operation for a quad stretch; and

FIG. 7 shows the standing chair of FIG. 1 in operation for a calf stretch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments of the systems and methods for a standing chair. In many embodiments, a standing chair includes a base portion and the tower portion, with the tower portion having several platforms, bars, and areas for stretching the limbs and other body parts of a user. In many embodiments, the base portion is movable. In many embodiments, the standing chair includes a calf stretch plane.

In many embodiments, the standing chair is designed to provide a place to sit as well as a place to stretch and exercise the body of a user. Typically, when people work for extended periods of time in a single position, typically sitting, the user's body may atrophy, tighten, or otherwise have issues. Additionally, standing in various positions may burn more calories than a seated position. This is one of the reasons for standing desks. However, an issue with standing desks, is that the user may experience fatigue and may not be able to be comfortable. This is at least in part because maintaining any position for an extended period of time, be it standing or sitting can cause fatigue. In ordinary circumstances, the positions that a user may maintain are somewhat limited with a standing desk and the chair and standing desk combination provide a limited number of positions and suggest for a limited number of positions. Embodiments of the standing chair not only provide for numerous healthful positions, but the apparatus also itself is suggestive of the user positioning themselves in such positions. Therefore, the increase potential of a standing desk can only be realized with embodiments of a standing chair.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a standing chair 100. In some embodiments, a system for a standing chair 100 for use with a standing desk includes a base portion 110. Base portion 110 may take a wide variety of shapes, with rounded rectangular shapes being typical, however other shapes possible. In some alternatives only one edge of base portion 110 is linear and a calf stretching plane is located on that edge as will be later described. Therefore, the other edges of the base portion 110 may be rectangular having flat straight faces or rounded, such as in the case of an ellipse or other rounded shape. Base portion is mounted on a movement apparatus 115. Movement apparatus 115 may include wheels 116 as shown in FIG. 1 . In some alternatives, all or some of the wheels may be locking or free rolling. In some alternatives, a locking mechanism would allow for all wheels to lock at once. In some configurations, the locking mechanism may include a bar that locks into a cog on one or more wheels. When the user presses or kicks a tab, the bar moves down and out of position releasing the wheels. Alternatively, movement apparatus 115 may be a low friction coating, providing for easy sliding on surfaces, while imparting stability to the base portion 110. This material may be low friction plexiglass, metal, or other coating. Many low friction coatings are possible.

In many embodiments, wheels 116 include a locking mechanism with a quick release. This is because it is desirable to move standing chair 100, however, standing chair 100 must maintain its position during stretching activities. Alternatives to locking wheels, in addition to the description above, are possible including but not limited to a kickstand, riser, or other device to prevent the standing chair 100 from moving. Typically, standing chair 100 will have a significant amount of weight, in order to resist forces applied to it during exercise, but of course depending on the bracing of the standing chair 100 or the size of base portion 110, various weights may be used. Base portion 110 is interconnected with a tower portion 120. In many embodiments, tower portion 120 is a vertical beam 125 that sits perpendicular to base portion 110. In some embodiments, vertical beam 125 is replaced by a telescoping beam. In some alternatives, tower portion may include horizontal bars, shelves, or angles that move up or down. These horizontal bars, shelves, or angles would be used to place your foot on for stretching. In some embodiments, vertical beam 125 may be of adjustable height having two parts as show in FIG. 1 . Beam part 127 may slide into beam part 126 and may include a spring-loaded pin that may be retracted from a variety of holes in beam part 126 therefore allowing the spring-loaded pin to be locked into a variety of positions, thereby adjusting the height of the vertical beam 125. In alternatives, vertical beam 125 may not be vertical, but instead may intersect base portion 110 at an angle. The point of tower portion 120 is that it extends vertically away from base portion 110, recognizing that base portion 110 typically sits on the floor. At the top of vertical beam 125, top plane 130 is located. Top plane 130 may take a variety of forms, typically being a rectangle having rounded edges. In some embodiments, top plane 130 may have grooves, approximately sized to a user's angle/calf/other body part, to assist a user in situating the user's legs during stretching in an ergonomic manner. Alternatively, the front edge may have a slight crescent shape to prevent the user's stretching limb from sliding off of the side of the top plane 130.

Top plane 130 may also be used as a sitting platform. In many embodiments top plane 130 may include a stiff padding 131 on its surface in order to accommodate the body of a user in a comfortable fashion. Additionally, tower portion includes a stretch bar 140. Stretch bar 140 is typically mounted on beam part 127 such that its height may be adjusted along with beam part 127. A bar parallel to the base portion 110 is shown for stretch bar 140, however a variety of shapes and lengths may be utilized. Typically, stretch bar 140 is a sized to accommodate the leg/foot of a user. Stretch bar 140 may be rounded and/or may have a w-like shape or stirrup such that a user's foot will sit in place on stretch bar 140.

Base portion 110 is interconnected with calf stretch plane 150. Calf stretch plane 150 is typically hingably mounted to base portion 110 and may rotate outwards to provide multiple stretching positions. Alternative shapes to the one shown are possible, similar to top plane 130. A variety of shapes may be used for calf stretch plane 150. Additionally, in some embodiments a slidable wedge, slides into the vertex of where the calf stretch plane is hangable mounted, such that the calf stretch plane is braced in a position diagonal to the base portion 110. Alternatively, the calf stretch plane may include an arc and pin system whereby a spring-loaded pin may be fixed in a variety of holes in the arc, thereby holding the calf stretch plane in a variety of positions. The top of the calf stretcher may include sandpaper/skateboard tape for better traction at steep angles. In alternatives, any other type of friction increasing material may be used on the calf stretcher. In some embodiments, other parts of the standing chair 100 may also be finished with friction increasing materials, including those suggested here. This may provide advantages to the user, in that their limbs or other body parts may be easier to maintain in stretched positions.

Additionally, in many embodiments, base portion 110 includes pad 160. Pad 160 may slide into a slot underneath base portion 110, between wheels 116. Pad 160 may be removed and positioned into a variety of positions, allowing a user to kneel or take other floor bound positions.

In some embodiments, top plane 130 may be hingably mounted to vertical beam 125. This provides for top plane 130 to be oriented in a variety of positions and vertical beam 125 may include a pin and arc locking mechanism or other mechanism to hold top plane 130 in position. In some alternatives, vertical beam 125 may be hingably mounted to base portion 110 in a similar fashion, such that it may be rotated in held in a variety of positions. These configurations allow for easier storage and more stretching positions.

In alternative embodiments, multiple vertical beams may be used in order to provide a device with differing stability characteristics. Additionally, additional stretch bars 140 may be added, in order to provide more stretch positions.

FIG. 2 shows standing chair 100 in operation. As shown, standing chair 100 is oriented in front of standing desk 200. The height of standing desk 200 is adjusted so that the user 210 can comfortably work while engaging calf stretch plane 150 in a calf stretching configuration. The user 210 additionally orients the high leg portion 220 of his/her body against the edge 230 of top plane 130. This adds to the stability of the user 210. In this configuration, wheels 116 are locked.

FIG. 3 shows standing chair 100 in operation. In this configuration, user 210 has oriented one leg 310 in a glute and hip flexor stretch configuration on top of top plane 130.

In FIG. 4 , user 210 is oriented on top of top plane 130. In this configuration user is performing essentially an Anterior Tibialis (shin) stretch. Here, standing desk 200 is modified to be at the proper height. Additionally, vertical beam 125 may be adjusted downwards in embodiments that provide for adjustment. Additionally, user 210 is engaging a foam roller 410, to increase the comfort of the position. Various other items may be used in place of foam roller 410.

FIG. 5 shows another configuration of standing chair 100. In this configuration, user 210 has engaged leg 510 in a hamstring stretch, by placing leg 510 on top plane 130. In this configuration, standing chair 100 is advanced below standing desk 200 and locked in position by locking wheels 116. Other stretches may be performed in a similar manner, by orienting the standing desk to the side and placing the leg 510 either on the top plane 130 or the stretch bar 140. In this configuration, the groin area may be stretched.

FIG. 6 provides for another configuration of standing chair 100. In this configuration, user 210 has placed his/her leg 610 in a quad stretching position, by placing the top of the foot 620 on the top plane 130 of standing chair 100. Like before, standing chair 100 may be moved on wheels 116 to the proper position and then the wheels 116 may be locked in order to accommodate the stretch.

Additionally, stretch bar 140 may be used for a variety of lower intensity stretching activities. For instance, instead of a high leg for the hamstring stretch of FIG. 5 , a lower foot position may be found on stretch bar 140. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 7 , the ser may perform a push stretch of the calf by oriented toes on stretch bar 140.

Numerous other stretching positions may occur to the user. Not only does the standing chair accommodate these positions, it actually encourages them. This is because the structure of the device naturally accommodates the user taking various positions as described herein.

In some embodiments, the user is provided with a video demo of how to orient standing chair 100 in order to engage in various stretches. In alternatives, a booklet is provided. In alternatives, an app is provided. This application may be resident on a smart phone, tablet, computer or other computing device. Multiple timers may also accompany the product to quantify the duration each stretch is held.

Many embodiments of the standing chair may be made from aluminum or other strong and light material or any metal or wood. Additionally, the standing chair may include foam or rubber on various surfaces, especially where the body of the user may rest.

In many embodiments, the size of the base portion is sufficient to prevent the standing chair from tipping. This may be achieved by a combination of weight and size of the base. Typically, this means that the base width in two directions is at least half of the tower portion height. In some scenarios, the user may sit on the top plane. Additionally, in some embodiments, the top plane may be mounted on a flexible pivot that offers some resistance in order to create an active sitting platform.

While specific embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations disclosed herein but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope thereof as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. 

1. A standing chair apparatus for improving stretching and comfort for a user, for use with a standing desk, the apparatus comprising: a movable base; a calf stretching plane on the movable base; and a tower portion, extending from the movable base, the tower portioning including multiple stretch points.
 2. The standing chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable base is mounted on wheels.
 3. The standing chair apparatus of claim 2, wherein the calf stretching plane on the movable base is hingably mounted, such that the calf stretching plane is rotatable to a first and a second position.
 4. The standing chair apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tower portion includes a vertically extending beam perpendicularly mounted on the movable base, the tower portion including a bar perpendicular to the vertically extending beam and a top plane mounted on top of the vertically extending beam.
 5. The standing chair apparatus of claim 4, wherein the top plane includes a pad on the top surface.
 6. The standing chair apparatus of claim 5, wherein the vertically extending beam is located in a central portion of the movable base.
 7. The standing chair apparatus of claim 6, wherein the top plane is hingably mounted to the vertically extending beam, such that the top plane is fixable in a variety of angles relative to the base.
 8. The standing chair apparatus of claim 7, wherein the vertically extending beam is telescoping.
 9. A workstation, the workstation comprising: a standing desk, the standing desk including an apparatus for raising and lowering the height of the standing desk; a standing chair, the standing chair sized to work with the standing desk, the standing chair including: a base portion; a tower portion, the tower portion extending vertically from the base portion; and a calf stretching plane, the calf stretching connected to the base portion.
 10. The workstation of claim 9, wherein the calf stretching plane is hingeably attached to the base portion, such that the calf stretching plane is positionable in a variety of calf stretching positions.
 11. The workstation of claim 10, wherein the base portion is movably mounted.
 12. The workstation of claim 11, wherein the base portion includes wheels.
 13. The workstation of claim 12, wherein the wheels are lockable, to prevent the easy rolling of the base portion.
 14. The workstation of claim 13, wherein the tower portion includes a top plane.
 15. The workstation of claim 14, wherein the tower portion includes a vertical beam.
 16. The workstation of claim 15, wherein the vertical beam is telescoping.
 17. The workstation of claim 16, further comprising a stretch bar mounted on the vertical beam.
 18. A method of stretching at a workstation comprising: providing a workstation, the workstation including a standing desk and a standing chair, the standing chair including: a base portion; a tower portion, the tower portion extending vertically from the base portion; a calf stretching plane, the calf stretching connected to the base portion; positioning the standing chair in front of the standing desk; and engaging the calf stretching plane with feet of a worker, the calf stretching plane providing a stretching position for the calves of the worker.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: disengaging the calf stretching plane; and engaging a top plane of the tower portion with a side of a leg of the worker in order to stretch a glute of the worker.
 20. The method further comprising: disengaging the side of the leg from the top plane; and engaging the top plane with a lower portion of the leg in order to stretch the hamstring. 